In 2012 the sombre mood of South Sudan’s first anniversary of independence reflected a dire situation characterized by steep economic decline, worsening border conflicts, internal political violence, and, later, a rumour of a coup plot. Future prospects appeared grim. In key areas of development, the country ranked near the bottom of world indexes. Much of the blame for this state of affairs was due to the decision of Pres. Salva Kiir Mayardit’s government in January to stop oil production in response to what it viewed as exorbitant fees levied by Sudan for the use of its pipelines and port.

Oil accounted for 97% of the national revenue, and the country’s population bore the brunt of spiraling inflation, rising food prices, and displacement caused by the oil shutdown. Hunger and food security were major problems. According to a 2012 World Food Program report, 60% of the population, especially in the northern rural areas, suffered severe nutritional deficiency; only 20% enjoyed an adequate diet.

Still dependent on the United States, the European Union, and other donors to finance some essential services, the government was pushed to meet their demands to tackle corruption. In June an anticorruption commission was set up to recover embezzled moneys, but no senior officials were prosecuted.

The government faced outbreaks of violence on two fronts. The first was a cycle of interethnic violence in Jonglei state, South Sudan’s largest state in both territory and population, which had displaced more than 200,000 people since 2011. The second was a prolonged border “war” with Sudan. Hard pressed by the loss of 75% of its former oil reserves when South Sudan seceded, followed by the loss of oil-related fees due to production stoppage, Sudan took aggressive steps to assert claims to disputed oil-rich areas on or near the border, principally Heglig and Abyei. From February to April the armies of both countries engaged in cross-border offensives while the Sudanese launched air raids on certain areas. After several failed attempts to negotiate peace, at the end of September, talks in Addis Ababa, Eth., yielded a number of trade, oil, and security agreements that established a demilitarized buffer zone and a plan for resumption of oil sales.

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Sudan experienced deepening political tensions and economic crisis in 2012, largely owing to repercussions from the secession of South Sudan the previous year, followed by a dispute in January over oil transit and port fees that prompted South Sudan to shut down its entire oil production of 350,000 bbl a day. Already the secession had caused Sudan to lose 75% of its former revenue, and...

country located in northeastern Africa. Its rich biodiversity includes lush savannas, swamplands, and rainforests that are home to many species of wildlife. Prior to 2011, South Sudan was part of Sudan, its neighbour to the north. South Sudan’s population, predominantly African cultures who...

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